156 Farm Poultry 



viduals may not possess the requisite fancy 

 points to win prizes at exhibitions, yet these 

 same individuals should be noted for usefulness. 

 The most noted flocks for egg production, those 

 that have gained a national reputation, have 

 been selected and improved for this one particu- 

 lar quality to the exclusion of fancy points, on 

 which so much importance is placed at the 

 great poultry exhibitions. In the early history 

 of these flocks, the surplus birds were not largely 

 sold for breeding purposes. The reputation of 

 these flocks had not been established, and because 

 the birds did not possess the prize-winning fancy 

 points, the demand for them was' not equal to 

 the supply. In later years, when the reputation 

 of these flocks became well known, the surplus 

 stock found ready sale at remunerative prices, 

 solely because of their usefulness. While farm 

 stock should receive recognition at agricultural 

 fairs, yet it will be shown at a disadvantage when 

 placed in competition with the fanciers' fowls, 

 which are bred largely for exhibition. The farm- 

 er's stock should be selected and maintained 

 for the profit of eggs and meat, rather than for 

 the profit which the fowls may bring when sold 

 for breeding stock. It is quite possible that 

 many farmers may sell breeding stock at remu- 

 nerative prices, although the main object should 

 not be to produce birds for this purpose. When- 



